Robert Sandahl Jr., who once served as the North Chicago fire chief, North Chicago alderman and served in the U.S. Air Force, has died at age 91 at his Gurnee home.
The North Chicago Fire Department announced Sandahl’s death Monday afternoon.
Sandahl died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Gurnee on Saturday, the fire department said.
His obituary said he enlisted in the United State Air Force and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and later honorably discharged in 1955.
Sandahl was a father of five children and became a firefighter in North Chicago in 1957.
Sandahl’s obituary said he “never stopped learning” and obtained his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Protection Technology in 1976.
He received a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from Southern Illinois University in 1977.
He received the North Chicago Chamber of Commerce Fireman of the Year in 1983.
Sandahl advanced through the ranks of the fire department from lieutenant to fire chief before retiring in 1987.
“Robert’s loyalty, dedication and love of his profession inspired many to enter the fire service, including his sons, son-in-law, grandson and granddaughters,” his obituary said.
He was elected to serve as an alderman on the North Chicago City Council after retiring from the fire department.
A visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Friday at St. Patrick Church in Wadsworth. A mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday.